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Views: 475
Last Modified: 2012-12-24

HP Printer on network, can I fax from my computer?

Hi!

I have a HP OfficeJet 5610v connected to one computer on my network, and shared (so I can print from any computer).

I wanted to know if it's possible to set it up so I can fax from another computer on the network. I tried Windows Fax and Scan, but it needs to be set up, and I can't figure out how.

Can anyone help me?

etech0

Asked: 2012-12-22

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3 Solutions

LVL 25

Tony GiangrecoCommented: 2012-12-22

You need an all in one printer that includes a fax. Then you can install the fax software, a phpne line to it and fax out from your pc.

LVL 10

etech0Author Commented: 2012-12-22

I have an all-in-one printer that includes fax, and I currently fax from it. I also print to it from the computer I'd like to fax from.

What's the next step?

LVL 25

Tony GiangrecoCommented: 2012-12-22

If you share the all in one, install it's software on the other Pc, you should be able to fax from it.

LVL 10

etech0Author Commented: 2012-12-22

I installed the software, but I can't get through the last step in the process, because it wants me to connect the printer via USB. But the printer is connected to another computer.

LVL 18

web_trackerComputer Service TechnicianCommented: 2012-12-22

If you are sharing the printer instead of connecting the printer onto the network, then you will not be able to setup the fax capabilities. Unless you are directly connected via usb. why dont you temporarly connect to this printer via usb so you can setup the fax software then reconnect the printer to the original computer who you were sharing the printer with. It problably be easier if the printer was on the network instead of sharing the printer.

LVL 10

etech0Author Commented: 2012-12-22

Connecting this computer to the printer via USB would entail moving a lot of furniture, so I'd rather avoid it if I could.

How can I connect the printer to the network?

LVL 10

etech0Author Commented: 2012-12-22

Or else, can I fax using Windows Fax and Scan, instead of HP's software?

LVL 18

web_trackerComputer Service TechnicianCommented: 2012-12-22

Personally I have never tried sending a fax through a shared printer, I am not saying it is not possible but I have never attempted to. You can try to use the windows fax and scan software, but the windows software will also have to recognize that the printer you are trying to fax to is a shared printer. Does this printer have network capabilities? If so I would try to set it up on the network, then you should not have problems scanning, faxing or printing. Sharing printers can sometimes be difficult. Faxing should always be done directly through the printer instead of going through a second computer in order to access the shared printer then sending the fax.

LVL 10

etech0Author Commented: 2012-12-22

I don't know if the printer has network capabilities. It's pretty old, so I would guess that it doesn't.
I guess I can try and see if I can set up faxing from the computer the printer is connected to, and take it from there.

LVL 88

rindiCommented: 2012-12-22

You need an all in one printer with built-in NIC or wireless NIC so it is directly connected to the LAN, and not shared via the PC. Those printers come with software from the manufacturer that then finds the printer and all it's other devices (scanner, fax, card-reader), and with that software you can then also use all those functions from every PC on the LAN with the printer manufacturer's utility software is installed.

If you share a printer on the LAN from a PC you only share the printer and none of it's other functions, your other PC's will ONLY have access to the printing functions of the printer. Nothing else.

I suggest you get yourself another multifunction printer... Many available today come with builtin NIC or Wireless NIC at no extra cost. Most of those products have a "n" or "w" for "Network" or "Wireless" (or both) in their model numbers so you can easily tell what they come with.

LVL 10

etech0Author Commented: 2012-12-23

I guess I will look into either getting another printer, or else just faxing from the main computer.

Thanks for your help!

LVL 88

rindiCommented: 2012-12-24

Here is an example of a very inexpensive mutlifunction device with wireless connection:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16828113671

If you do lots of printing, then it makes sense to go for a laser, not inkjet type printer, as the cartridges last longer and that will make them cheaper in the long run. This example uses an ethernet port:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16828113696

Or this one is a monochrome printer with ethernet (since you already have a color printer you could use that one for the color jobs):

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16828113654

I prefer Brother over HP printers, the quality is good in general, Supplies are less expensive, and the support is good. Samsung is also very good for the price. Just don't get canon or epson.

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